Tyler Wright makes historic splash at ASP surfing contest

History was made today at Manly Beach, Australia,  when Tyler Wright, 14, became the youngest winner of an ASP World Tour event.

Wright, an Australian, defeated Brazil’s Silvana Lima in three-foot waves during the final of the Beachley Classic, named after and hosted by Layne Beachley, a seven-time world champion who announced, during the competition, that she will retire after the season.

“This is easily the best day of my life,” said Wright, who had earlier posted a shocking heat triumph over defending world champion -- and fellow Aussie --  Stephanie Gilmore. “I’m so stoked. I don’t really have the words to describe it.”

Wright gained entry to the elite-level competition after winning the Oakley Trials last week.

Finishing third in the Beachley Classic was Sofia Mulanovich, who vaulted past Gilmore into the ratings lead as the tour heads to her homeland, Peru, for a contest that begins Nov. 3.

Mulanovich, a former world champion, was surfing well until injuring her ankle during her semifinal against Lima. “I’ll just try and get my foot better and think to myself this is not a bad injury,” she said. “I’ll get back for the next event.”

Fortunately for the tour competitors, Wright is not expected to compete.

--Pete Thomas

Photos: Top, Tyler Wright, 14, shows the expertise that enabled her to become the youngest person ever to win an ASP World Tour event. Afterward, Wright, left, is congratulated by seven-time world champion Layne Beachley.

Credit: ASP Robertson / Covered Images

Comments

[grace]

hey,
my name is grace.
i think you might no my brother mackenzie he is in year 8 and goes to st.johns.
seeing you get the 1st place makes me work harder in my surfing. knowing that in about 3 years i will be in year 8 but mabey not as good as you but i will try to be.
so congregation with your win.
From grace

[Tyler Wright]

hi im Tyler Wright you stole my identity but imma dude!!!!!